Montreal may not be Paris, but its strong French influence does make it a surprisingly romantic city. Sure, you’ll find endless intimate restaurants dotted around the city, but there are many other romantic date ideas in Montreal.
Variety is certainly not lacking in this Canadian city. You’re sure to find your perfect date night here, from hand-in-hand walks to fun water sports, relaxing spa treatments, and adrenaline-filled activities.
But this much choice can create confusion. So to help you plan the most epic date, I’ve narrowed it down to the top 10 romantic experiences to have with your loved one in Montreal.
Ride The Ferris Wheel
The 60-meter-high Ferris Wheel at the Old Port of Montreal is one of the most famous attractions in Montreal. While taking a ride on it may seem a bit too touristy or cheesy, it can be a super cute thing to experience together and a fab way to see Montreal’s fantastic skyline.
Another reason I recommend this activity is that it is open every day of the year. So regardless of the season you’re visiting, it’s a fab date option. Moreover, the cabins are warmed in the winter and cooled in the summer.
I recommend combining this activity with dinner at one of the many romantic restaurants nearby. For French cuisine, head to the chic Brasserie 701, which boasts decorative chandeliers, high ceilings, an intimate atmosphere, and top-notch food and drinks.
Ice Skate Hand In Hand
Ice skating is one of Montreal’s top winter activities, so if you and your partner are here during the cold season, a skating date is ideal. The city has several rinks, including Parc du Mont-Royal, one of the most popular.
The vast Parc du Mont-Royal ice rink covers 2,500 m2 of land and has music and lights to make the experience more romantic and magical. It is located next to the Beaver Lake Pavilion in a nature-rich, mountain-top setting.
Go Paddle Boarding At Parc Jean-Drapeau
Are you looking for cool summertime date ideas in Montreal? If so, consider doing some tranquil water sports together? Parc Jean-Drapeau offers SUP rentals and a beautiful, peaceful setting to explore with your loved one.
Here you’ll get to explore the calm lake waters of Jean-Doré Beach or loop around the lagoons by Floralies Gardens. They also offer sunset SUP yoga classes, which would be the perfect surprise for any yoga-loving partner. And don’t worry, canoes are also available for hire if you worry your balance is not up to scratch.
Enjoy A Theater Show Under The Stars
Another fantastic summer date idea in Montreal is Shakespeare-in-the-Park. Every summer, the parks around Montreal put on outdoor theater shows totally free of charge. So if you want to do something super romantic, but finances are tight, this is it.
Bring a blanket (or some fold-up chairs), snacks, and a bottle of wine, and enjoy a fabulous show under the moonlight on a warm summer evening. Shows typically run every night in July and August and last approximately 2 hours.
Take A Romantic Stroll Along Lachine Canal
Montreal has many romantic spots to take a picturesque walk with your loved one. One of the most popular walks is Lachine Canal, which runs along the St. Lawrence River from Old Montréal to the canal.
As the entire trail is 14.5 kilometers, it takes at least half a day to walk the entire route. But if you prefer a short stroll after dinner, you can do any section of the course you want. Alternatively, you could make a day of it by stopping at a few cafes and bars to refuel along the way.
Go On A Helicopter Ride Over Montreal
If you really want to impress your date and give them an experience they won’t forget in a hurry, take them up in the air. Montreal’s guided helicopter tours typically last 20 to 30 minutes and give an incredible birds-eye view of the city’s top attractions, such as the Olympic Stadium, downtown Montreal, Jacques Cartier Bridge, and Mount Royal.
You’ll soar at an altitude of 1,500 feet (457 meters) while the pilot gives commentary on the sights below you. Plus, if you choose the 30-minute option, you’ll also venture out to Îles-de-Boucherville National Park.
While it may be a little costly for a first or second date, this is the perfect romantic experience for those special occasions like anniversaries, birthdays, or engagement opportunities!
Unwind At The Floating Spa
If your ideal date is one where you can relax and get pampered, head to the unique floating spa Bota Bota in the Old Port. This isn’t your standard spa with riverside views, as the venue floats on the water.
Bota Bota was once a river ferry, which has now been transformed into a floating but stationary spa. It features a holistic healing water circuit with hot pools, cold plunges, and saunas designed to trigger your body’s natural healing process while reinvigorating your mind.
Bota Bota also offers a complete selection of treatments and massages, with many couple packages available. For example, the Calypso package the water circuit, a massage of your choice, and a tasting plate with a glass of wine each. Alternatively, the Marie-Céleste includes the water circuit, a massage of your choice, and the signature ‘Queen of the sea’ facial treatment.
Of course, you can create your own spa day and visit the onsite restaurant open for lunch and dinner.
Go Zip Lining
For couples who prefer the other end of relaxing, a ziplining adventure may be right up your street. The Tyrolienne MTL Zipline in the Old Port offers a truly unique way to enjoy Montreal’s skyline.
The 1200 feet high Tyrolienne MTL Zipline is Canada’s first urban zipline circuit, open from March to December. It goes directly over the river and the famous Bonsecours island, which will surely get your adrenaline going. And its central location means there are plenty of bars close by where you can reward yourself afterward (or before if you need some Dutch courage!).
Tuck Into A Candlelit Dinner
If you’re looking for the most romantic restaurants in Montreal, look no further. Sure, dinner may not be the most unique date idea, but when you’re in a city like Montreal, it only makes sense to check out some of the top-class fine dining establishments.
So here are a few options:
- Candice – This ancient brick-walled fine-dining restaurant on Rue Saint-Martin offers an incredible cozy warm-lit dining experience with farm-to-table cuisine. It’s a top choice for those who eat anything yet struggle to choose a dish, as Candice offers a set tasting menu with wine pairings.
- Le Renoir – Le Renoir is a stylish bar/restaurant located at the top of Sofitel Montreal Golden Mile. It’s popular in the summer as it boasts a pretty rooftop terrace. However, the lounge bar is super cozy during the winter time too. They have an extensive wine list, exquisite mains, and mouth-watering delights prepared by their in-house pastry chef.
- Le Club Chasse et Pêche – Le Club Chasse et Peche is one of the most romantic restaurants in the Old Port area, housed in an old stone lodge-style building. This fine-dining experience is not cheap, but if you want to splurge, this is one of the top choices.
Take A Dinner Cruise Along The River
For a more unique dining experience, hop aboard the Bateau-Mouche Montreal at the old port and embark on an evening you’ll never forget. This romantic boat cruise runs Monday to Saturday during the summer and serves up 4 French-inspired irresistible courses.
There are typically four main course options and a dedicated vegetarian menu, though you’ll have to request this upon registration. The boat has a lower and upper deck and an open terrace for warm summer evenings.
The experience departs at 7pm from Jacques Cartier Pier and lasts around 3 hours. Between courses, you’ll enjoy the incredible city and river views and the iconic music and light show as you sail along the St. Lawrence River.
If you prefer to take a boat cruise during the day, Bateau-Mouche also offers lunchtime picnic cruises on the weekends. This 90-minute experience includes a gourmet picnic box, and a full drinks list is available for an additional cost.
Final Thoughts On Date Ideas In Montreal
Whatever type of date you’re looking for, you’ll find it in this bustling Canadian city. From therapeutic to thrilling to lavish to low cost, there are endless unique date ideas in Montreal that your partner will remember for a lifetime
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